Andretti Global delivered a dominant performance Sunday at the Milwaukee Mile, securing a podium sweep in INDY NXT by Firestone as Salvador de Alba earned his first career victory and Dennis Hauger clinched his first series championship.
De Alba powered his No. 27 Grupo Indi entry past pole sitter Hauger on the opening lap and never looked back, leading all 90 laps for a breakthrough win in his 27th series start. “The car was on rails all race long, and we brought it here to victory lane,” De Alba said. “Super happy about the 1-2-3 result, Dennis getting the championship today. It’s just a big day for all the Andretti team.”
Hauger finished second in the No. 28 Nammo car to seal the championship with one race to spare, becoming the first Norwegian driver to win the title. He captured six victories and seven poles this season in his rookie campaign. “It’s been an incredible season as a rookie with Andretti,” Hauger said. “This is a big championship win for me.”
Rookie Lochie Hughes completed the podium in third, giving Andretti Global its first 1-2-3 finish since 2022 and tying the all-time INDY NXT record with its seventh championship. Callum Hedge (Abel Motorsports) and Bryce Aron (Chip Ganassi Racing) rounded out the top five.
De Alba’s only challenge came after a Lap 47 caution, but he quickly pulled away on the restart and crossed the finish line 1.469 seconds clear of Hauger.